U.S. Ambassador Tracy’s Statement on Wrongfully Detained U.S. Citizen Evan Gershkovich Outside Moscow City Court
18 April, 2023
I am speaking to you today from the steps of the Moscow City Court, where we observed today’s hearing on Evan Gershkovich’s case. I can say how troubling it was to see Evan, an innocent journalist, held in these circumstances.
I was able to meet with Evan yesterday at Lefortovo Prison. It was the first time we were granted consular access since his wrongful detention more than two weeks ago. I can report that he is in good health and remains strong, despite his circumstances. We will continue to provide all appropriate support to Evan and his family, and we expect Russian authorities to provide continued consular access.
The charges against Evan are baseless, and we call on the Russian Federation to immediately release him. We also call for the immediate release of Paul Whelan. Paul has been wrongfully detained in Russia for more than four years. Both men deserve to go home to their families now.
